Trump says Israel would not exist without him and Netanyahu

US President Donald Trump claimed on Monday that without his intervention and that of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel would not exist today, alleging that Iran was weeks away from obtaining a nuclear weapon before US strikes. Speaking to conservative commentator Hugh Hewitt, Trump argued that the US offensive prevented Iran from developing a nuclear capability within 'two to four weeks.' Source: elcaribedr, elmundoes, infobae

The military context

Trump's remarks came amid a new escalation between Washington and Tehran. The US launched attacks on Iranian targets, and Iran retaliated against US allies in the region. The White House says operations aim to reduce Iran's military capacity and protect Israel and shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Source: elmundoes Trump announced the reinstatement of a naval blockade and said the US would act as 'guardian of the Strait of Hormuz,' demanding that other countries compensate Washington with 20% of the cargo transported through the waterway. Iran closed the strait 'until further notice' after the US attacks. Source: infobae

Continued strikes

Minutes before the interview, US Central Command confirmed a third consecutive day of strikes against Iran. Trump stated that Iran would be hit 'very hard' that night and the next day. Source: elcaribedr Iran has responded with attacks on countries allied with Washington in the region.